BackPack Native American Style Flutes

Basically Indestructible $27.95

Affordable, indestructible, take-anywhere Native American style PVC flutes. Links to sound samples at the bottom of this page by clicking here.

Good tone, great value, will last a lifetime. Of course they don't have the voice my wooden flutes do, but lots of my customers like them. Can't beat it for $27.95. Made by master flute maker, Richard Maynard.

Now Available, Optional Mouthpiece

For those who do not prefer the original "open" mouthpiece. Easy to remove and sanitize, the mouthpiece is unpainted. See below for details. Only $2.00 either as an addition to your flute or separately.

"Hi Richard, This is a great flute! I'm really impressed. I like it as much as most of the wood flutes I have. Maybe it's the key. I don't know, but I love it! Thanks, Keith"

Mouthpiece for the BackPack Flute

$2.00

Felt Flute Bag

(Earth tone colors vary.) $5.00

$29.95

Sound Samples for the Backpack Flutes

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List of different keys and their sizes for Laughing Crow BackPack flutes.

These sizes are all average. The hole spacing and hole sizes are the maximum used. Some holes are a bit smaller and some hole spacings are slightly larger than what is listed. It's up to you to decide if your hands can fit these flutes. The lower pitches are bigger and longer. It's a matter of physics. I understand that lots of folks want the lower pitches, but if you want lower, it's going to be bigger. The list starts at the higher pitches and goes lower as you go down the list. I hope this helps you determine the size that you can handle.

The Native American Style BackPack or Beginner flute is offered in addition to my line of fine wood Native American style flutes. If you're a beginner and aren't ready to spend a lot of money to join the hundreds of thousands of people who joyfully follow the Native American flute path, then this is a good way to get started. If you already have a flute or flutes, this is a handy traveling companion to add to your collection. The sound is very good, the flute is indestructible, light, easy to carry and concert tuned to the key of F# minor, G minor, A minor and C minor.
I employ the same skill and craftsmanship in making these economical, beautiful sounding, accurately tuned instruments as I do when making my fine wooden flutes. Constructed of PVC pipe and painted with lead-free non-toxic coatings, this instrument will provide you or that budding student with a lifetime of the soothing, haunting tones found in the Native American flute. The F#m flute is approximately 21" long and has a 1" outside diameter. The finger holes are 1 1/2" apart at the south end to 7/8" at the north end. Most average hands will fit this flute. The flutes get shorter with the higher keys with the Cm being the shortest and highest in pitch. The mouthpiece is an open design incorporating the slow chamber which makes the Native American flute sound so good. (Optional tubular mouthpiece available above for $2.00.) Each flute comes with a free fingering chart to get you started on the path enjoyed by so many of us flute lovers. If you want more concise and detailed instructions, I recommend the book, "Understanding the Gift" which can be ordered below.

Be aware that this flute has what's called an "open" mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is open, just like the far end of the flute. To play this kind of mouthpiece, simply place it over your lips like a brass instrument would be played. It's different from most Native American style flutes, but this type of mouthpiece is used by some wooden flute makers. I make them this way in order to keep the price low. (Optional tubular mouthpiece available above for $2.00) Most folks have no problem adapting to this type of mouthpiece. Also be advised that the voice of this flute is a little more breathy than my wooden flutes.

The Laughing Crow PVC Native American style backpack flute is made from the same PVC that's used in millions of homes for water pipes. I've heard some wild stories about this plastic being "bad". If this is so, then millions and millions of us are in jeopardy as we are drinking and bathing in water that passes through pipes made from Schedule 40 PVC, which is the stuff from which these flutes are made. However, I am going to believe that this plastic is inert and safe. Especially used in this context. Also, I avoid leaving paint on the surface that contacts one's face or lips. So, in short, as long as no one tries to eat one of these PVC flutes or use it as a weapon, I honestly believe they're perfectly safe to use.

This Native American style back pack flute is remarkably easy to play. No difficult embouchure (translates "fancy lip work") is required to get a tone from this Native American style flute. Just place the mouthpiece to your lips and begin by blowing gently for the best tone. Follow the included simple instructions to play the Native American Pentatonic scale and you can be improvising in no time. Of course, if you wish to have more thorough instruction, I offer the method book "Understanding the Gift" by John Vames which comes with an accompaniment CD that explains and demonstrates the lessons and songs in the book.

About Laughing Crow Flutes

I fell in love with the Native American Flute back around 1994 after listening to a program called "Hearts of Space" on PBS Radio one Sunday night while falling asleep. I awoke the next morning with an unquenchable desire to find out more about this music. Thus began a life long pursuit of the peaceful, soothing, comforting sounds of the Native American Flute. I have been playing and creating these instruments since 1995. I offer my Native American Style Flutes and Music for your enjoyment and pleasure.